Press-up challenge for Sheffield Hospitals Charity’s Christmas campaign

But Reuben Mitchell, aged 21, didn’t want to do things the conventional way – his fundraising challenge involved completing a mammoth 3,000 push ups throughout December to raise money for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Last month the charity launched its Christmas campaign. Knowing how challenging 2020 has been for everyone, they wanted to go above and beyond to support staff and patients who will be spending this Christmas in hospital. Be it the staff across the hospital who will be spending the festive season working around the clock on the back of this difficult year, or the patients who will be forced to spend their Christmas isolated away from loved ones – the charity wants to make this Christmas a little bit easier.

And Reuben wanted to do his bit to get involved. He said: “When I heard about what the charity is doing to help staff and patients this Christmas, that was all the motivation I needed. I guess that I wanted to do my bit to honour the work of our hospitals – something even more important in 2020. Given the restrictions that are in place, fundraising isn’t as easy as it might be, so I wanted to do something a little bit different. But its so easy to do something yourself. I really would urge everybody to do their bit to help.

“I've had the pleasure of getting to know both family and friends who have and do work for the NHS. They are some of the most kind, caring and positive people I have ever met. I admire what they do everyday and want to do my part to help out. And I know that Sheffield Hospitals Charity work tirelessly to support our hospitals – so what better cause?”

Reuben is raising funds through JustGiving and his page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/reuben-j-mitchell

Gareth Aston, Chief Executive Officer of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “Reuben is a really valued fundraiser this Christmas – his support will make such a difference to staff and patients in our hospitals this festive period.

"And it is always great to hear about new and different ways that people are getting involved.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.